"Boy howdy, Nick. Hope you don't feel as bad as you look? We can't afford any more sick people around this ranch!"

Nick didn't answer. He laid his head down on his hands almost immediately falling asleep on the table. Heath walked over and touched his brother's forehead and knew Nick had the fever too. Without words he pulled Nick to his feet and started helping him up the back stairs.

Nick didn't fight when Heath helped him in and out of the tub, got him in his nightshirt at midday, and put him to bed. After forcing two large glasses of water down his brother Heath left for the afternoon.

Heath finished setting more chicken to simmer in the main house and the bunkhouse. Never in his life had the young man seen more chicken broth consumed. Luckily Audra and Victoria were about ten days into their bout of influenza and both women were beginning to gain strength and energy, but Heath adamantly refused to let them out of their rooms.

All he could hope as Heath finished a few chores in the barn and saddled Charger to go check with the foreman was everyone else survived the strange disease as well as the women. Audra and Victoria were both a week ahead of the first men to come down with to the fever. Seeing the women improve would get everyone feeling better simply knowing the fever didn't necessary mean death.

As he rode to the north rim to find the work crew Heath was thinking through the influenza which had basically brought Stockton to a standstill. Everybody was hit the same. First, sneezing, watery eyes, and diarrhea with extreme loss of appetite. This lasted for twelve to twenty-four hours and then the real powderkeg hit. A extremely high fever with sore muscles and swollen joints which seemed to grow progressively worse for another twenty-four to forty-eight hours. If the person survived the peak of the fever the next week or more was taken up with recovery. Heath had never seen anything hit so hard with such complete devastation and then leave its victims weaker than newborn kittens.

Heath closed his eyes and fought away his tears. Silas had been working side by side with he and Nick until the night he finally collapsed while helping serve dinner for the well men in the bunkhouse. Heath knew Silas' fever was bad when he carried his friend home and gently prepared him for a long rest in bed. He spent the night and most of the next day trying desperately to get Silas' fever under control. The constant bed baths and forced fluids worked for Victoria and Audra, but Silas never responded as well. For a moment Heath stopped Charger and took some deep breaths.

Silas' last words before he laid quietly for his few remaining hours were whispered tenderly as he held Heath's hand, "It all right, Heath. Don't worry so, boy. I'm going home, son ... Finally going home."

In the more than two years Heath lived on the Barkley ranch Silas had been his most true, loyal, and understanding friend. When all this was over he knew the absence of their quiet mornings together would start to grind on him, but Heath couldn't think on that now. He urged Charger to a gallop, checked with the men, and then galloped all the way home.

Ciego welcomed Heath back and they reviewed the situation on the ranch. Luckily Ciego and his wife were untouched thus far and could manage the sick men in the bunkhouse, plus take over feeding the well men. Heath would need to make up the daily assignments for the small crew still able to work.

He and Nick agreed early on to simply get the absolutely vital tasks accomplished everyday. Heath had been taking care of his sick family, running the main house kitchen, checking on neighbors when time allowed, and now he'd have to oversee the foreman and work crews for Nick.

First thing he did when Heath reentered the house was check on Nick. His fever was too high already and Heath prepared everything and started washing Nick down with cool water. A hour later when Nick was more comfortable Heath finished the soup, saved a large pot of broth for Nick, and served the ladies their evening meals.

"How are you holding out, Heath?"

Audra and Victoria were well enough to stay in the same room during the day that helped Heath enormously.

"I'm fine, lucky to be fine. Ciego said the deputy was out this morning while I was at the Slatterly's. Stockton is pretty much at a standstill and they don't want anyone traveling to town for another week unless it is an emergency. We're lucky we have plenty of supplies and lots of chickens."

Victoria held Heath's hand when he served her tray. She knew the sheriff had given the able bodied citizens neighbors to visit every other day. The Barkley's three neighbors to check on were the Slatterlys, an elderly couple whose ranch was worked by a hired man, Mariana and Bjorn Petersen a young couple from Norway who only recently bought an older ranch, plus they had a six month old daughter, Gretchen, and finally they were asked to ride every other day to check on Manuel Garcia and his large family. Ciego had gladly taken the last assignment since his family was good friends with the Garcia family. A man from Norm Johnson's place checked in with the Barkleys too ... It was the sheriff's only way of being sure of the status of everyone in Stockton.

Heath smiled and made an excuse to go check on Nick while the ladies ate. He returned and escorted Audra back to her bed for the night. Her weakness still frightened Heath, but he tried to be encouraging and not let her sense his worry.

"Oh, Heath," Audra pulled him close, "Clean sheets again. You spoil me."

"You're my best sister," Heath smiled and pulled the covers up, "A man would be foolish not to take good care of a wonderful sister like you."

Heath planted a kiss on Audra's forehead and checked the water pitcher by her bed one more time before heading back to Victoria's room. She was apparently feeling much stronger than Audra, but Victoria came down with the fever first so Heath thought it made sense she felt better sooner. He found her straightening the bed where Audra had be lying and Heath caught his mother when Victoria turned quickly and obviously struggled for balance.

"MOTHER!"

Victoria couldn't remember any time in the past two years when Heath scolded her. She smiled and let him help her around to get into bed. Instead of his usual hastened kiss before running for chores Heath sat down and looked into his mother's eyes.

"Mother, I had to wait until you were alone, Nick came down with the fever this afternoon. I've got his temperature down and he seems comfortable tonight. I'll stay with him, but I was wondering if you would be up to sitting with him some tomorrow. I..."

Victoria reached and gently covered Heath's mouth.

"I'll stay with him tonight and don't you try to stop me."

Heath held her hands tight and looked sternly into her eyes.

"No, Nick is okay tonight. I promise to come get you if he gets bad at all. You won't be helping me in any way if you don't get a good night's sleep and feel better. Audra is still weaker than all get out, Nick's bad fever will be tomorrow or the next day, and I've got so much to do I prefer not to think about any of it."

Victoria sat quietly taking in Heath's words. Never in her life had she missed sitting with a sick child until this fever got her before Audra last week. Now Heath was suggesting Victoria didn't sit with Nick when he needed her care.

"Please, mother," Heath voice quietly communicated his desperation, "This thing isn't through with the valley. We've lost five good men and Ciego thinks we could lose three more. That is half the fall crew. You and Audra are barely recovered and Nick just got sick. I really need you to be logical and get some rest. Poor Silas never ... Tomorrow, you can sit with Nick all day and I won't argue, okay?"

"Okay," Victoria leaned forward and pulled Heath close, "As long as you promise me two things.'

"Shoot," Heath leaned back tried to smile.

"First, you will take better care of yourself. You aren't invincible you know. And second, you will call me if Nick's fever gets out of control. Do we have an agreement?"

Heath nodded and kissed her forehead then headed for the door.

"Good night, mother, sleep well."

The young man dashed back to his brother's bedside leaving the women's trays stacked in the hall. Heath never heard Victoria's thank you or her words of love. He spent the night sitting with Nick, bathing Nick to keep his fever down, and then running around doing various chores in the house knowing he would be out most of the following day. When dawn began to creep over the horizon Heath had a pot of oatmeal prepared. Between oatmeal, soup, chicken broth, and the leftover boiled chicken Heath figured to feed everyone in the house for another few days.

He checked Nick's forehead and was grateful to find it warm, but still not as hot as it had been off and on during the night. He pulled the crew assignments for the next week from his shirt pocket and rechecked his plan. Jack, the foreman, would know what to add or move and be glad Heath simply gave him an outline of the ranch's needs. The crew changed shape everyday as men got well or sick or whatever. All Heath wanted to do was get the ranch's residents to survive while preventing any major disasters. It was a terrible worry he much preferred sharing with Nick before his brother fell ill.

Victoria came in as dawn peeked in Nick's window. She was fully dressed and actually sported some color in her cheeks. Victoria wrapped her arms around Heath after letting out a chuckle as his face revealed his delight and surprise in seeing her. Without a word she sat down next to Nick and began fussing over him. Heath left them alone and ran outside to get started in the barn before breakfast would need served. For the first time in weeks Heath was feeling happy ... Victoria looked well which made his day.

After breakfast Heath raced off to check on the Petersen family after he quickly rode a line of fence Jack couldn't spare any of the men to see. There were a few fence posts that were going to go down when the weather finally turned, but for now they were holding. Riding up to the Peterson house Heath was glad to see the young couple both working happily outside while Gretchen laughed from a swing her father rigged up on the front porch.

He visited with the young couple for a while and gladly held the baby for her mother when she fussed. Mrs. Petersen's English was better than he husband's, but they both repeatedly apologized in multiple languages when Gretchen grabbed Heath's ear hard and wouldn't let go. Heath made sure they understood he enjoyed children and responded to the tug on his ear by moving closer the baby. Gretchen giggled with delight then sneezed, coughed, and blew lots of wetness into his face and eyes. Heath didn't panic since he truly did enjoy children and they all did these same things, but Mrs. Petersen took the baby away and her husband kept Heath company while he washed up.

Soon Heath was back in the Barkley kitchen preparing the dinner trays. He delivered Audra's first and was pleased she seemed much stronger, but listened intently when his sister described the horrible morning Nick endured. Nick's fever hit hard and he was delirious. Victoria forbid Audra to leave her room so she felt very alone and frightened until Heath arrived with her tray. He promised to return quickly and raced down the hall.

"How's Nick, mother," Heath whispered as he entered the quiet room.

Victoria looked pale and worn. She waved Heath forward and he could see Nick was flushed with fever. Victoria had only a small sheet covering Nick's middle and he was obviously being kept very wet in an attempt to fight the fever.

"Heath," Victoria kissed his cheek when her son knelt down beside her, "I had no idea how bad this fever could be. I couldn't comprehend the power of it when you two boys would tell me about the spread of the fever or when I tried to think of our Silas ... Or the hands. This fever hits hard. No wonder Audra and I have taken so long to gain any strength."

Heath kept her hand in his as he moved closer to Nick, "He looks comfortable for now, mother".

She smiled and nodded her head.

"Com'on," Heath pulled Victoria to her feet, "You eat with Audra while I watch Nick. Don't come back until you've eaten and taken a nice long nap. There's nothing waiting for me that is more important than my family."

Victoria would have argued, but Heath's arms were very strong and she could feel herself relying on them. They walked silently down the hall and Audra helped him settle their mother on the bed. While the women talked Heath ran down for Victoria's tray and grabbed a sandwich to eat in Nick's room for himself.

Heath spent the afternoon and early evening keeping Nick calm, trying to get fluids in him, and washing him off in an effort to fight the fever that raged inside him. Nick talked for a long time about things in the army, on the ranch, and when his father was still alive. A few times Nick opened his eyes and seemed unaware of where he was or why Heath wouldn't let him out of bed to get to work. As the hours of fever raged Heath noticed Nick's strength diminishing. He still fought to get up and out of bed, but Nick no longer had the strength to push past Heath to do so.

Suddenly Heath sensed Nick's fever was growing higher while his frantic efforts to bring the fever down were yielding poorer and poorer results. Heath ran into the bathroom and started cold water into the tub. He went back to Nick's side and tried to lift his brother's limp body into his arms, but his back simply couldn't take his older brother's weight.

"NICK!" Heath was yelling and slapping Nick's face, "YOU GOTTA HELP ME."

Heath pulled Nick up and finally let his body fall across his shoulder as Heath struggled across the room and down the hall. He ignored the large amount of water that splashed out of the tub when they finally got there and let Nick's body slide down the cool water. Heath finally threw some towels around the room once he was certain his brother's head was secure and Nick wouldn't simply slide under the water. Heath grabbed a cup and began pouring water over Nick's head and face.

"Oh, my God," Victoria came through the door and knew Nick was in trouble.

Heath was soaked from head to toe and beginning to feel frantic. Victoria knelt beside him and they let the water out and refilled the tub with cooler water three times.

"Nick," Heath's voice gave away his emotions as he pleaded, "You have to help us, big brother. Don't let the fever win here!"

Silas' death was still fresh in Heath's mind. His fever rose to an unbelievable peak then receded, but Silas never woke up. Heath would give anything for a mere moan from Nick at this point. Luckily, Victoria was in control of her emotions although fully aware the fever was bad, but she hadn't marched around the ranch the past two weeks with Heath while people he cared about died. She stayed calm and kept talking gently to Nick while pouring water through his hair.

"WHAT THE HELL DO YOU TWO THINK YOU ARE DOING?"

Nick opened his eyes and tried to pull himself up in the tub, but his arms were weak and the sick man slipped back while he laid his head against the headrest. Heath dropped his head to his hands while closing his eyes in prayer. Victoria began to coo for Nick to take it easy while Heath sent his gratitude towards the Heavens. Heath was never so glad to hear Nick yelling at him. Nick began to more fully awaken and suddenly realized he was naked.

"FOR CRYING OUT LOUD, MOTHER!" Nick covered his pelvic area with both hands, "HEATH GET ME SOME PANTS!"

Victoria and Heath embraced while enjoying a chuckle at Nick's expense.

"Boy howdy, Nick! I'm so glad you woke up. I had no idea how I was going to get you back out of the tub. My back is going to be singing for weeks from getting you out of bed and in here."

"FRANKLY, LITTLE BROTHER, I COULD CARE LESS ABOUT THAT FICKLE BACK OF YOURS. SOMETIMES I THINK THE ARMY TURNED YOU INTO A LITTLE OLD MAN. NOW, GET ME SOME PANTS!"

Heath left to get a nightshirt while Victoria began to explain to Nick how truly ill the man had been. Nick resisted his family's explanations until he tried to get out of the tub. He relied heavily on his bodily strength as a source of his self-esteem and was shocked at the weakness, which seemed to be affecting every muscle, joint, and bone right down to the tips of Nick's fingers.

"Heath," Nick reached up a hand when his brother finally got him into bed, "Thanks, brother."

"Just go to sleep, Nick," Heath took Nick's hand briefly and offered a worn smile.

Heath left Nick in Victoria's capable hands and went back to clean up the bathroom before she tried to do it. His back was more than singing from lifting Nick's dead weight ... It as screaming, but Heath had no time to stop and take care of himself. He ran in his room and changed clothes, jogged over to the bunkhouse to check in with Ciego, and then returned to the kitchen to make up dinner trays.

Nick was asleep by the time Heath made it back upstairs. Victoria joined Audra for their meal and Heath gulped down two large chicken sandwiches in Nick's room. Victoria woke Nick when she came back and made him sit up. Heath ran down with the dirty trays and brought up a tray for Nick, which their mother made his brother eat. Heath chuckled at the bits and pieces of their conversation his ears caught as he went up and down the stairs cleaning out basins, setting laundry to soak, and finally serving the ladies some tea. Audra joined her mother in Nick's room while Heath finished up in theirs. He straightened the beds for the night, filled the lamps with oil, and refilled all the water pitchers.

Victoria offered to sit with Nick while Heath escorted Audra back to her room. He was pleased when she only needed his arm for her full weight once when she lost her balance. Audra was much stronger and Heath embraced her for a long moment before helping his sister back into bed. They played three games of hearts and then Heath had to get back to his chores. He left Audra with the books from his room since she was out of reading material.

Once more Heath jogged across to the barn. He helped Jack check on all the animals for the night while they discussed the situation on the ranch. Heath took a moment to brush Charger while trying to think out what else needed done before he called it a night. When he returned to Nick's room Victoria smiled and got up to hug her youngest son.

"Thank you, Heath," she held him tight, "That was a brilliant move putting Nick in the tub. He still has a fever, but I think we may have seen the worst of it."

"Don't suppose we can ever let him forget waking up naked with us glaring at him," Heath chuckled and kissed his mother's cheek before guiding her back to the seat by Nick's bed.

"NO!" Victoria quietly enjoyed Heath's tease, "What a great look in his eyes. By the way, how is your back, sweetheart?"

"It's fine, mother," Heath stood behind her as they watched Nick sleep, "How about another cup of tea?"

"That would be wonderful. Thank you."

Heath went back to the kitchen and brought up the tea with the last few sweet biscuits he found in the bottom of a tin. Silas normally kept the house full of marvelous homemade sweets and desserts, but this was the best Heath could provide on short notice. He gave Victoria her tea and asked if she was up to sitting with Nick until he got the kitchen in order for the following day, plus did some presoaking for tomorrow's laundry. Heath had to check on the Shatterly's in the morning and try to get into town for a few supplies. They agreed Victoria would sit with Nick for a few hours while Heath got work done downstairs, but Heath insisted he would sit up with Nick while his mother rested. Victoria could still feel an awful weakness throughout her body and finally agreed.

Victoria woke up in her seat by Nick's bed. She could smell something burning ... It was some kind of food not a wood smell. Nick was resting and although warm he seemed fine. She rushed down the backstairs into the kitchen. Heath had laundry in various tubs at differing points in the soaking process. The sideboard was covered with wonderful looking sugar cookies, the top of the stove housed a large pot of chicken soup, and another smaller pot of clear chicken broth, but Victoria found two trays of the sweet items blackened into imitating chunks of coal burning unnoticed in the oven. She took the trays and laid them outside the kitchen door to cool off.

"Heath?" Victoria sat down next to her sleeping son being sure to lay her hand on his forehead gladly letting out a relieved sigh when he wasn't fevered.

Heath slowly opened his eyes and sat back while trying to remember how he could have fallen asleep on the kitchen table.

"Mother," Heath stretched, "What are you doing down here?"

Heath suddenly smelt the burning cookies and jumped up only to find the oven empty. Victoria smiled and patted the seat for Heath to sit back down. He did after pouring them each the last of the tea from the pot he made earlier and grabbing a handful of cookies.

"I used to help Hannah make these all the time. A few of the families she cleaned houses for paid her extra to keep the cookie jars filled. They're easy flour, sugar, eggs, butter, and cream of tartar ... Only baking you'll ever get from me!"

Victoria smiled and nodded her appreciation as Heath found his seat. They quietly enjoyed the sweet treats while Victoria smiled ignoring Heath's childhood habit of dunking his cookies in the tea he had no intention of drinking.

"I'm sorry, mother," Heath rubbed a hand across his face after checking his pocket watch, "I was due to relieve you a while ago. Let's finish up here and get you to bed."

Victoria didn't argue. She felt satisfied having had her tea, a good chuckle finding one of her cowboy sons asleep while baking cookies, and most importantly knowing Nick was apparently out of danger. Heath moved their cups to the sink and walked up the stairs behind his mother. He escorted her to her bedroom and leaned in for a long embrace.

"You know Heath," Victoria smiled when he stood back up, "Those cookies of yours are really quite lovely."

"Yea, but I'm murder on the cookie sheets. Any chance we can use them again?"

Victoria thought back to the blackened mess she left outside the kitchen door for the night.

"Nope!" Victoria couldn't hide a large smile and patted Heath shoulder as he turned to go.

"Sorry, can't trust a dumb cowboy in your kitchen," Heath chuckled aloud as he went into Nick's room and closed the door.

For the first time in many days Victoria Barkley went to bed, slept well, and woke up feeling stronger. Heath was bathed and changed when she met him in Nick's room before dawn. He rushed out and did a few things in the barn then hurried back and walked up all three breakfast trays. After securing a promise from Victoria and a much-improved Audra that they would leave the trays for him to clean later, Heath headed out with the buckboard for his visit with the Shatterlys and a brief stop in Stockton.

What greeted Heath Barkley in the small farming/ranch town of Stockton, California was not easy to comprehend. There were caskets lined up along the walls outside the school, churches, and larger meetinghouses. The streets were bare and despite the October sun many houses had their shutters drawn well after nine in the morning. He picked up the mail first and then wrote out a telegram for Jarrod. Walking out to the buckboard Heath read the two letters Jarrod sent from San Francisco and couldn't believe the irony.

Jarrod was working hard to wrap up a case, but argued he was still heading to Stockton when able despite Nick's insistence he stay put up north. He mentioned getting the telegrams Nick sent reassuring Jarrod the two women in their lives would be well soon. Jarrod had no idea his brother had also become ill. The irony hit Heath hard when Jarrod offered an observation that the influenza which sent Audra and mother rushing home early from the city had never really amounted to much. The SF papers seemed to report the disease spreading everywhere around San Francisco, but the city itself remained relatively untouched.

Heath stepped back in the telegraph office and added an addendum to his earlier message. He wrote out an even stronger plea for his brother to remain up north and promised to send word when Stockton appeared safer. Heath stressed that mother and Audra were nearly well and Nick on the upswing. There was no way to put what Heath had seen in town into a telegram so he would have to write a letter when he got home and post it later in the week.

The mercantile the Barkley's preferred was closed so he went further down the street. People in general weren't friendly on the streets and rushed by looking like scared rabbits. There wasn't a home or ranch that hadn't been effected by this horrible killer. The sheriff's office erected a few large boards around town with papers tacked to them and pencils in cups underneath. The instructions were to add the names of the dead to one list and there was another list for the many, many, people in need of help burying their loved ones. The school, churches, and other large buildings were being used because entire families were in need of comfort and care. Taylor's larger barn at the livery over by the train station was now a staging area for Stockton's funeral directors. Heath sighed seeing names of his or his family's friends on the top of various lists he passed in town. He didn't stop to read the lists for fear of what he might find there, but there was no way to pass them without noticing their growing length.

"Morning, Mrs. Karras," Heath tipped his hat to the storeowner's wife and handed Mr. Karras his supply list.

"Sure this will due you today, Mr. Barkley?" Mr. Karras rushed around the counter and grabbed a bag of flour.

"Yes, thank you," Heath walked over to a box of books the Karras' kept for the train travelers who often stopped by since the store was between the station and the hotel.

"Folks well out your way, Mr. Barkley?" Mr. Karras was doing it again.

The Barkleys used to shop frequently at the Karras' store, but when Heath arrived on the ranch and was accepted by Victoria ... Well, Mrs. Karras didn't agree with her decision and the Barkley's took their business elsewhere. Mr. Karras was always too friendly with Heath as he tried to get the large Barkley account to switch back to his store.

"No, sir," Heath picked out a few books he thought Audra might try, "I'm afraid we've been hit hard, but from the sheriff's lists around town I can tell our ranch isn't alone."

"No, sir, I'm afraid this thing is really taking a toll on Stockton," Mr. Karras nodded his need to add the books to the bill when Heath held them up.

The two men walked out front and Heath slipped the books under the seat while rearranging a few of the sacks Mr. Karras already carried out. He walked back in and began to help carry out the various materials while Mr. Karras instructed his wife to make up a receipt for Heath to sign.

"I hope Mrs. Barkley and dear Audra are well," Mr. Karras handed Heath a bag of coffee beans.

"They are recovering nicely, but Nick is down with the fever now. We've lost our dear friend, Silas, and five good hands."

The men walked in for the last few items.

"You should write their names down for the sheriff's people to keep better track."

"Well, I expect Dave knows since he was out last week."

"Dave is dead, Mr. Barkley."

Heath stopped and looked into the other man's face.

"Yes, this past Tuesday the fever got him and his wife, Linnie. Their three kids are staying over with the doc, but doc's wife is getting over being sick too. Martha and I had a mild case early on. Good thing since the other stores are all shut and we only reopened the day before yesterday."

"I ..." Heath couldn't believe Stockton's sheriff, Dave Winslow, was gone as was his wife, "Well, I'm grateful you and Mrs. Karras are improving. I had no idea....."

Heath dropped his head and walked over to check the receipt before signing.

"Everyone has it, but the one's like you."

Mrs. Karras hissed at Heath. He looked into her gray eyes and noted the dark circles and pale skin that foretold of her recent illness.

"Hush, woman," Mr. Karras tried to step in front of his wife, but she was back on one of the self-righteous soapboxes which made the Barkleys move their account.

"Devil's seed," Heath stared directly into the woman's eyes as a rough gravel tone took over her voice, "That's what you are and this thing ... This influenza is evil. You're not sick because you're the devil's child. Good Christian folks are the only ones he's after ... NOT EVIL LIKE YOU."

Heath stood staring at the woman watching her almost self-destruct as the words hissed from her mouth. Mr. Karras tried to push his wife from the counter, but the hate welling up inside Mrs. Karras somehow urged her on. Heath stood without moving a single muscle and stared until she couldn't stand it any longer. The hate filled woman moved towards the back of the store. Mr. Karras stood red-faced and started rambling on and on about something, but Heath didn't pay any attention. He signed the receipt and went back to the buckboard.

As Heath passed the church he could hear people crying, but someone was playing the organ. Such a bombardment on the senses he pulled the horses to a stop, sat still while listening to the hymn, and finally jumped down on the ground. With a heavy heart Heath added the five ranch hand's names to the list outside the church. He stood and closed his eyes, listened reflectively to "A Mighty Fortress Is Our God" played with an especially pleading tone, and dug deep down inside to find the strength to add SILAS ALEXANDER to the list of Stockton's dead.

Heath had to hurry the team since his stop in town took much longer than he planned. Luckily there was plenty of food ready on the stove at home and Victoria was strong enough to get down the backstairs if needed, plus Ciego would notice Heath hadn't returned and check on the family. He turned into the Slattery's place and instantly knew something was wrong. The animals in the barn reacted loudly to a human being outside and the entire place was closed up tight and it was nearly 11AM.

"MRS SLATTERY?" Heath entered the front door slow in case they were fevered and had a gun, "MR SLATTERY? ITS HEATH BARKLEY!"

Heath dropped his head when he got one good whiff of the odor inside the house. Dead bodies smelt like dead bodies no matter what killed you. He walked through to the back bedroom and found the elderly couple lying motionless together in bed. The place was a mess since neither of the terribly ill people could get up to helps themselves or their life partner. Heath stepped out on the front porch for some air and to decide what he should do. No wonder the animals were fussing. It could have been two days since they were fed and their keen sense of smell would have given the animals the scent of death.

He got the animals out into the corrals and cleaned up the barn enough for them to be safe for another night. After dragging feed out to the corrals Heath knew he couldn't put off his last task any longer. He dug the graves inside a protected area. Heath couldn't take the time to make them terribly deep and knew he would have to return to do a better job once things where more normal. For now he wanted the couple in a respectful place where the wild animals wouldn't get at them.

He walked through the Slattery's kitchen to be sure the stove was cold. Heath noticed an open Bible on the table by an unfinished cup of stale tea. The book was left open to the first chapter of James. Heath walked away without reading any further. Hannah's voice echoed through his mind. Heath reentered the bedroom, threw open the windows, and pulled down the top quilt. Before removing Mrs. Slattery from her position turned to the center of the bed still clinging fast to her husband's hand, Heath heard himself repeating out loud "Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning". (James 1:17)

Heath finished his job and made sure the animals were safe for the night. The foreman would have to send men tomorrow to remove the animals and the Barkleys would care for them until the Slattery's estate was settled. Heath had dragged the Slattery's mattress out and burnt it while he was working. The material was still smoldering so he doused it before returning to the buckboard. With a heavy heart and terribly behind schedule Heath headed for his next stop.

It was racing toward late afternoon when Heath arrived by the back door of the small, secluded church. He silently began to unload supplies.

"Mr. Barkley," Reverend Waters rushed from the small cabin on the other side of the church, "Wait up there I'll help you."

"Afternoon, Reverend," Heath offered his hand, "I won't be but a minute. I'm running terribly behind today."

"Yes, son, seems everyone is working full out or dying in Stockton these days," the older man opened the church door and started moving things inside, "We sure do appreciate the supplies with so many down with the fever."

"Yes, sir," Heath walked in with the last of the load.

Reverend Waters put a hand on Heath's shoulder to stop him for a moment, "I wasn't feeling well when you made the last delivery. Who should I say offered these fine gifts, Mr. Barkley? We have so many families with illness your gift will serve many".

Heath smiled and tried to maintain his control knowing the tug his heart took when he passed Silas' newly covered grave as he drove into the churchyard, "Just say they are in honor of Mr. Alexander, please."

Heath shook the firm hand the reverend offered once again. He rushed out to make it home before the fall sun set completely.

The team was secured in the barn, Ciego walked out to communicate how the hands were doing, and Jack gave Heath a glowing report on the work from that day. They discussed how to add securing the Slattery's animals in the morning and Heath dragged through the backdoor of the house.

"Heath!" Victoria was stirring something wonderful on the stove, "What happened ... You run into a dust storm on the way to Stockton? Your clothes are covered in dirt."

"What are you doing down here, mother?"

Heath was too tired to hide his anger. Victoria crossed over with a smile and kissed his cheek, but Heath moved away.

"Please, mother, you shouldn't be down here. You must take care."

Victoria smiled and walked quickly behind Heath and back to stir supper, but as she passed her son Victoria let her hand drag across his back.

"I'm sorry, mother," Heath took a deep breath and let it out slow, "How are your patients?"

"Audra is much better and I might even let her try coming down once tomorrow. But Nick is still so weak. Perhaps after supper we can get him in for another bath. His joints are so stiff and sore ... I'll put some of my special salts in the water."

"Oh, boy, he'll love that," Heath couldn't hide his sarcasm either.

He reached to take a seat, but knew his back would scream too loud for him to never rise again. Seeing the laundry he didn't get taken care of because of his day Heath decided to keep moving. If he did some of tomorrow's chores tonight there just might be time to get through the laundry piles tomorrow.

"Any chance I have time before supper for a bath?"

"Take your time. I'll fix the trays when you come back down and we can all eat with Nick."

Heath walked behind Victoria and took in a hearty breath of the beef stew she was cooking.

"Nick eating stew?" Heath gave Victoria an embrace and then started up the stairs.

"NO," Victoria laughed and turned towards Heath letting him see the glow was back in her eyes and color in her cheeks, "He'll be eating your broth and soup for a few more days."

Heath pulled off his boots and socks then went to throw his vest on a chair back until he got a chance to brush out some of the dirt. He suddenly felt Jarrod's letters stuffed in the pocket and flew out the door. Heath took the backstairs by threes and swung down the last few steps landing right in front of his startled mother.

"What in Heavens..."

"Jarrod's letters," Heath held up the envelopes, "I'm sorry, I was so tired I almost forgot until I felt them in my pocket."

Victoria smiled and threw her arms around Heath's neck then kissed him once more.

"He's fine, mother," Heath thought he should relate the answer to her first question.

"Yes, Heath, I know," Victoria smiled and sat down to read.

"How?"

"When you run barefoot and half dressed through the house and shout the arrival of letters from your oldest brother, young man ... Call me crazy, but I assume it is good news!"

Heath ran back upstairs and bathed. Then he helped Victoria get all four supper trays up to Nick's room. Nick was horribly pale and not much interested in food, but the company made him appear to feel better. Heath ran the trays down to the kitchen while Victoria saw Audra was settled in her room. Both women smiled seeing the stack of books from Karras' store waiting on Audra's nightstand.

Victoria and Heath helped Nick into the bathtub. They waited with their backs turned while Nick soaked in his mother's healing salts and washed. After only a few minutes Nick was exhausted and ready to try and get out of the tub. Victoria waited nearby since Nick insisted Heath was the only help he needed. Heath had to get Nick out in two stages since his back was killing him and Nick had no strength what so ever. When Nick was finally in bed Heath wasn't sure he could stand up straight.

Victoria stayed with Nick after Heath bid his brother a good night. Heath went back to the kitchen and sorted through the laundry, rung out clothes that were done soaking, and changed out the water before adding clothes from the piles to soak. He was about to begin the kitchen clean up when Victoria joined him. Heath refused to let her do anymore than sit and keep him company. He knew it was a sign Victoria wasn't fully recovered when she agreed. Heath made her a cup of tea and started on the dinner dishes, glasses, cups, pans, and pots.

"How was your day, Heath?"

Heath didn't turn, "Like I said in Nick's room, it was fine. Thank you, mother."

"Yes, sweetheart," Victoria smiled and watched Heath's shoulder which would give her answers to her questions often before he verbalized his feelings, "You told us repeatedly your day was simply fine. That was upstairs ... That was for Audra and Nick. This is me and I expect you to talk to me, Heath Barkley. You know that has always been our deal."

"Yes, ma'am."

Victoria took a sip of tea and braced herself. The slope of Heath's shoulders and the long pause he added to their conversation meant bad news.

"Things are awful in town. People gathered in the school, the churches, and everywhere many, many, people are dying. They have coffins lined up right out on the streets. It was like driving through some sort of weird nightmare. Had to keep convincing myself I really turned the team toward Stockton."

Heath finished and began to walk the dishes to the cupboard and put them safely in their places. He was lost in thought so Victoria sipped her tea and waited. The blonde young man thought about how his brother, Nick, would laugh at his thoughts this evening. Heath's mother was a cook and her son didn't mind doing the dishes. In fact Heath found strange comfort in working in a nice warm kitchen when he was troubled. Nick would laugh and tell Heath he was nuts.

Nick teased the life out of Heath because he stopped a few times a day to wash his hands. Heath couldn't help it ... His mother made her living feeding folks and you lost your cooking reputation in a hurry if people got sick on your food. Washing his hands a few times a day was simply an old habit ... It didn't mean anything. But Nick didn't understand growing up with one parent and sensing your time with her wouldn't last for very long.

"A penny for your thoughts?"

Heath caught himself very far away. He walked over and sunk down into a chair by Victoria. He knew she was waiting for his thoughts on the day, but what should he say.

"Dave and Linnie Winslow are just two of the many, many, friends of this family whose names are on the lists posted around town."

"Posted lists," Victoria fought back tears thinking of the lists during the war and knowing their use at this time was a very bad sign.

"I'm sorry, mother," Heath took her hand, "I didn't stop to read all the names. I know I saw Maddie Wilson, Ethel Brooks, and Mr. Baldwin. You know everyone in Stockton, but those are the names that jumped out at me since they are very good friends of yours. I'm sorry to say Charles Piedmont, his wife, and five of their children were on there too. I think I stopped right after that and simply put on the names from our ranch before heading out. I know these people meant a lot to you. I'm terribly sorry, mother."

Victoria held Heath's hand and took a few deep breaths. The enormity of the situation was beginning to sink in and she was uncomfortable with the reality of Heath's trip to town. Victoria tried to manage a weak smile when she reached over and brushed her hand through Heath's hair.

"We'll simply have to get through this as a family. So much sadness ... Stockton may never be the same."

Heath nodded his agreement and waited while Victoria finished her tea.

"The entire Piedmont family," Victoria was talking to no one in particular while Heath washed her cup and saucer, "Where did you shop then, Heath?"

"Karras' was the only store open."

"BUT, HEATH ..."

"It was fine, mother. Last thing you need to be worrying about is where we get our supplies."

"And the Slatterys ... How were they?"

Victoria stood up instantaneously as she watched Heath's shoulders drop. The Slatterys were much older than she and Tom. When they moved to the valley the Slattery family took the Barkleys under their wing. The elderly couple still attended many Sunday and holiday dinners at the Barkley ranch throughout the year. Heath turned to face Victoria sensing her presence immediately behind him.

"I buried them on the side of the barn until we can have a proper funeral. Jack is sending a few hands to bring over their livestock and close up the place tomorrow. I'm terribly sorry, mother."

Victoria reached and held onto Heath's arm. He felt her sway and pulled her close.

"Thank you, Heath."

"For what?"

"For being the one to find them. I know you treated them with utmost care and respect and I really want to thank you."

Heath didn't answer as he felt the strength leave Victoria. He helped her upstairs and called Audra. Between the two of them, they got Victoria into bed. Heath walked Audra back to her room and then worked on chores until late into the night.

Finally prepared for the next morning Heath checked one more time on Nick, but thought his brother felt warm again. He stayed next to him for another hour and once satisfied Nick was okay Heath went to sleep on an extra quilt he spread out on the floor by Nick's bed. The hard flat surface felt good on his sore back, but Heath wasn't looking forward to when he'd need to try and get up to check on Nick.

When Victoria got cleaned up and dressed before dawn she sensed Heath was already up and about. She peeked out and could see her youngest boy working out back in the predawn glow. He had the large tub out on the back porch and the big laundry kettle over the fire pit. Knowing Heath, Victoria assumed the hot cereal was all ready to go as was the coffee and tea. She checked on Nick and Audra then joined Heath in the warm kitchen. It was going to be another long day on the Barkley ranch.

BVBVBVBVBVBVBVBVBVBVBVBVBVBVVBVBVBVBVBVBVBVBVBVBVBV Heath's week continued as one never-ending day for another four days. He was visiting the Andersen family each day because the father, Bjorn, was taken with a thankfully mild case of the fever. Heath would catch up things around the barn, pile up firewood, deliver supplies, and generally make sure they could make it through until he visited the next day. Audra slowly joined her mother and was able to help with some of Nick's care, minor housecleaning duties, and helping keep the kitchen clean.

After what seemed like morning after morning of scrubbing Heath had the laundry caught up after over three weeks of neglect. The weather cooperated until the last day the linens were out to dry when the cool air rushed in and a threat of rain lingered all day and night. The newly seasonable skies simply remained gray then a bone chilling cold descended on Stockton with rain to follow. Nick became even grumpier as his weakness showed no sign of subsiding and his aching joints were more painful due to the cold weather.

Heath made sure he got Nick in and out of the bathtub twice a day since Victoria's healing salts truly made his big brother feel better. There wasn't anything Heath could stand anymore as far as his back was concerned. If he stood, worked, lay down, or simply took a breath his back pain remained a constant. Heath reverted to his normal thought patterns when he didn't feel well ... He ignored his body's cry for rest, medical attention, and any attention or care from his family. Victoria tried to talk to him after watching his struggle to stand up straight, especially after helping Nick from the bath, but Heath wouldn't talk about himself and moved on.

For some unknown reason Hannah was constantly on Heath's mind. He sent a note off to the man who lived close to Strawberry whom Heath paid to make sure the woman he cherished had supplies at all times. Hannah refused to move from her small cabin and Heath only made the ride every four to six weeks to check on her. He began to worry his thoughts might be a premonition ... Had this horrible disease spread as far as Strawberry?

"No" Heath scolded himself aloud as he rode in front of the small work crew, but luckily no one heard their boss yapping away to himself. Heath decided it was because the fear of seeing so many people he cared for either sick, dead, or remaining terribly weak many days after they should have been well was making him very aware of his Creator. Heath knew he took his heath for granted, as did most people. Anytime Heath Barkley thought of his God ... He thought of Hannah. The two seemed joined forever in his mind.

The small Barkley ranch crew was getting paid a triple weeks salary as they went to work once more in Stockton's cemetery. The citizens of Stockton had finally shipped in enough caskets, they had gathered together and provided each other with adequate assistance, but the town didn't have enough graves. Heath volunteered a crew for two afternoons on his last supply trip. It took all his strength to deal with Mrs. Karras once more and while he was taking a few deep breaths on the way out of town the sheriff's deputy requested the help.

Heath dug and dug right next to the men. The continual drizzle left them all soaked through to their bare skin, cold, and exhausted by the time the sun began to set. Heath handed all the cash he had in his pocket to Jack and the Barkley crew headed to the saloon while their boss finished the last grave and reflected on the situation back on the ranch.

Victoria was much better, but if Heath didn't police her the woman would be right back in bed from exhaustion. Audra was making slower progress towards regaining her strength, but she was more consistent and Heath actually preferred her slow, steady, progress to Victoria's peaks and valleys of energy, temperament, and appetite. Nick was probably out of danger, but his generalized weakness and the continued pain worried Heath. His big brother sleep all the time and Heath simply told him everything on the ranch was fine when Nick asked. The good news was Jack's uncanny luck in hiring on a few new men so the ranch's crew was up to three-quarter strength.

Rosa, Ciego's widowed sister-in-law, and her daughter, Lupe, were now well and working full-time at the main house, plus helping in the bunkhouse. Silas used the women for part-time help all year round, but it was going to take these women and probably more house staff to replace Silas. Heath was finally getting in help so he could concentrate on the ranch work, but he needed to stop a few times each day and ride home to monitor the patients, especially Victoria.

Heath looked up at the darkening gray twilight sky. The heavy rains weren't far away and then there would be increased work as the Barkleys battled the weather one more year. He hated working on the levees and bagging sand. It wasn't the work ... Heath hated standing in knee deep mud while feeling cold and wet for a least twelve hours a day. Thanksgiving wasn't until the end of next month, but he longed for the holiday and a reprieve from the incessant work. Suddenly Heath leaned over for his hat after pulling himself up from down in the grave he finished digging. His back sang an unpleasant song and Heath sat back down with his legs hanging inside the grave.

Could he keep doing the work all by himself? Nick wasn't going to be well anytime soon. Heath's back frightened him because the situation wasn't giving him anytime to baby it with long hot baths, a few days where he wasn't digging or lifting heavy weight, plus no sleep since before he could remember. His back was so sore it was making his entire body ache and feel stiff.

Then there was this thing with his stomach. Ever since Heath ate a ham sandwich from the lunch wagon Ciego delivered to the crew yesterday morning ... Well, Heath's stomach was giving him fits. One minute he felt terribly hungry, but Heath instinctively knew if dared to eat he would only be running to the bathroom. Better than throwing up, Heath hated being sick at his stomach, but the runs were one heck of a pain when out riding on a horse all day.

Sick of thinking about the ranch and his health Heath began teasing himself that he could sit by the grave and have himself on good pity party or get back to work. Heath sat for a moment smiling to himself just as some ladies passed beside home on their way into work the evening shift with the sick people resting in the church.

"See," Heath instantly recognized Mrs. Karras' hate-filled gravel voice, "He is sitting enjoying the suffering of Stockton's good Christians, Mabel. He's laughing at God. Why else would anyone in their right mind spend a cold, wet, fall evening sitting in the grave yard when people are dying all around? The devil's seed ... That's what Heath Barkley is."

Shocked into sitting straight up Heath shook off Mrs. Karras' hisses and started to laugh. He never heard Mrs. Karras' walking mates disagree with her vicious words that she spoke loudly intending Heath to hear. "MY GOD!" Heath shouted at the quickly blackening sky. He must be crazy, here he was sitting, smiling, daydreaming, and talking to himself in a graveyard!

Before he could get up Jack walked over. The Barkley's foreman had settled the men in at the saloon, but decided to walk a cup of hot beef soup from the kitchen back to his boss.

"Here, Heath," Jack squatted down and handed over the hot liquid.

"Thanks!" Heath was surprised by the man's presence and his concern.

"How are you, Heath?"

"Why, Jack," Heath turned and smiled, "Those ladies got you convinced you're working for a crazy man or possibly the devil's seed?"

"NO, sir," Jack put a hand on Heath's shoulder, "You've been at it for days and so have I. But, I don't have to think about how to get everything done ... I just follow those lists you give me. I'm not the one responsible."

Heath shook his head and kicked at some dirt with his boot while Jack's words sunk in.

"How are you holding up, Jack?"

"Tolerable, sir, tolerable."

Heath smiled and nodded, Jack added, "And that brings us back to you, Heath?"

"I'm a bit weary, a bit weary ... Seems less people are getting sick, but the ones that make it through aren't going to be good for much of anything for another week or two. Hate to see the rain."

"Yes, sir."

Jack left Heath with his soup and his thoughts. The soup smelt wonderful, but Heath hesitated once more. That bad sandwich the other day really upset his guts. He was hungry so he took a sip and it was fine warm soup. RESPONSIBLE ... Jack's word, but the honest truth. Heath was the one responsible for the ranch and part of being responsible was knowing when you were licked. Wasn't it?

Heath's back yelled loud and clear as he struggled to get up from the side of the grave, then managed to walk over and sit on the fence by the small wood behind the church. If he could just make it through another week or two Nick would be able to at least talk to Heath about the ranch. It was hard making all the decisions when you hadn't slept and your body was so sore you couldn't think what to do next.

Maybe Heath needed help ... Nah, he could hold out. Heath was fine just tired and his back was going to be the same his entire life so might as well shut up and get busy. Heath jumped down off the fence and gulped the last few mouthfuls of beef soup. He started for his horse, but stopped while the world suddenly raced in circles around his head.

Heath raced back to the fence and leaned over into the woods while he brought up all his soup and more. He couldn't stop wrenching and lost control of his breathing until the nausea passed. After that unpleasant end to his day Heath pulled himself together, cleaned up at a water trough, but didn't remount Charger until he'd rinsed and rinsed his mouth and dunked his head repeatedly.

Heath started for home and realized he truly didn't feel well at all. He turned Charger back threw town to the telegraph office. His message was brief.

JARROD BARKLEY

SAN FRANCISCO, CA

I'M SORRY, I KNOW YOU ARE BUSY. I NEED YOUR HELP. PLEASE, COME HOME AS SOON AS POSSIBLE. HEATH

Heath was thoroughly chilled by the time he made it into the barn. The entire ride home he wondered if his telegram to Jarrod was wise. Nick probably could handle their ranch and three more by himself. Heath felt terribly defeated. His mind was swimming and while he brushed Charger he once more turned his thoughts to Hannah.

"Every man shall give as he is able ..."

Why couldn't Heath remember the rest of the verse from Deuteronomy? Hannah made him memorize and memorize Bible verses. She couldn't read, but knew every line of the entire Bible. Heath never talked to many people about his beliefs nor found much use to go around spouting all the memorized Bible verses Hannah insisted he know, but tonight he felt confused as to his mind's refusal to produce the rest of this particular verse.

The house was quiet, but Victoria was still up waiting for Heath. Heath smiled when he entered her room. She didn't like the flush to his face, but was reassured when she kissed him and his cheek was cool. Audra was asleep with a book on her lap in one of her mother's bedroom chairs. Victoria planned on waking her when she herself was ready to call it a night. Heath scolded his mother about not letting Audra or herself overdue while apologizing for not being home earlier to help Nick take a bath.

"Nick was glad," Victoria smiled, "This ceaseless drizzle has given the house a terrible chill tonight. The sleep will help him since it is what Nick's body was calling for with the rain on his window sill and a nice warm fire in his room."

"Yes, ma'am," Heath left with a nod of gratitude for his mother's gracious method of letting him off the hook for being late.

Heath carried up firewood to all the bedrooms, checked the water pitchers, wrote out work orders for the crew for the next two days, and went back into the barn to check on a sick animal when Ciego came into the kitchen to fetch Heath. It was very late when he climbed back up to the second floor of the house and all was quiet. He peeked in Nick's door more out of habit than necessity and jumped when Nick insisted he stop in.

An hour later Heath was helping Nick back to bed. His older brother really longed for the comfort of the warm water and seemed to move easier on the way back down the hall despite his exhaustion. Heath sat and finished their brief conversation about the state of the ranch while Nick settled into bed. He used some of Nick's desk materials to write Victoria a note stating Nick got a bath in the middle of the night so Heath was going to ride out early for supplies and to visit the Petersen family. Nick drifted right off thinking the ranch was in good shape, but not saying these thoughts out loud. Heath slipped the note under Victoria's door, got a bath, and laid on the top of his bed for a few hours before heading out.

Heath skipped coffee and didn't pack any food to eat on the way to Stockton, but he did put an extra canteen under the buckboard seat. He was thirsty ... Probably from the nausea and that damn ham sandwich. Heath was in town when the stores were opening at 8AM. Luckily the Ford's shop was back open, but they were out of cloves. Victoria needed cloves for a tea she made to ease Nick's aching joints. Much to Heath's chagrin he signed for the supplies at Ford's then headed down the street to the Karras' store.

"MORNING, MR BARKLEY!" Mr. Karras shot his wife a glare while racing to the front of the store after yelling so loud Heath's already aching head made him cringe.

"Morning, Mr. Karras," Heath leaned against the counter, "I only need one item if you have it ... A spice for mother's tea, dried cloves."

"Yes, I have some up on the shelf in the back."

Mr. Karras left and Heath stood still while more customers roamed around him and the store. Mrs. Karras decided she couldn't contain herself any longer and walked up then standing directly across from Heath. Heath leveled a taunt glare and leaned forward as Mrs. Karras took a breath deciding what to say first.

"And now I beseech thee, lady, not as though I wrote a new commandment unto thee, but that which we had from the beginning, that we love one another. Second epistle of John 5, Mrs. Karras."

Heath walked away and didn't look back. Mr. Karras raced out to the buckboard after the red-faced young man while the other customers inside murmured about Heath's cutting Mrs. Karras off.

"Here's the cloves, Mr. Barkley."

Heath didn't look down while picking up the reins.

"No, thank you, Mr. Karras."

Mr. Karras put a hand on Heath's knee and laid the small jar under the seat.

"Please, take them, Heath ... No charge!"

Heath nodded but still didn't look at the man. He drove away while taking deep breaths and wondering what Hannah would say if she knew he used words she taught him to shut up a woman Heath honestly hated ... Heath didn't pity her, dislike her, or feel sorry for her, no, at this moment as he drove out of Stockton toward the Andersen ranch Heath Barkley hated Mrs. Karras and all the people he had been forced to put up with in his life just like her.

Heath finished his second canteen of water before he drove up to the Petersen's house. The ranch was as he left it the day before except the wind had knocked down the top portion of one corral fence when last night's rainstorm moved in. Heath jumped down off the wagon and could hear Gretchen screaming inside the house.

"Kid's got great lungs," Heath smiled and headed towards the barn assuming the family was doing fine.

Heath walked their two horses out to the corral for some exercise. He was turning to get the barn cleaning started when the front door of the house swung open.

"Heath! Heath!" Mariana Petersen was yelling his name with her lovely accent, but it didn't sound good today ... Heath heard fear.

He ran up to the front door expecting to find her husband, Bjorn, dead or dying, but he was sitting up in bed with the same pallor all the fever victims had when they first started coming around. Mariana ran over to the crib in the corner of the bedroom and picked up their screaming baby while Heath followed close behind. The woman held her baby out to Heath ... Pushing her at him as he stumbled backward pure fear taking control of his body when Heath saw the gravity of the situation.

"Help her, Heath? Please, please, I can not..." the woman's voice was full of panic, fear, and desperation.

Heath took the baby in his arms and she was absolutely burning alive. He rushed into the kitchen and pulled a large basin from under the sink. Mariana held the baby while Heath filled the basin with water from the pump. They laid the screeching child on the table as Heath ripped off the layers of blankets and clothes her mother was using because the old ranch house was freezing inside. He plunged the baby into the water that only made her scream with more anger.

As the water began to attack her fever the small child's body remained rigid and she glanced from one torturer to the next. Heath reached around and grabbed an empty coffee cup then used the cup to start dumping water over the baby's head. Mariana understood Heath's intentions and began to help. He left her in charge while searching for an even larger basin or bucket to get the child's entire body under the water.

The evening went better after this horrible beginning. They soaked the child in multiple tubs of cool water, when Gretchen finally felt cooler Heath made her mother pour water down the baby's throat, then covered her in a light quilt, and he walked them back to a rocker in the bedroom. They seemed under control for the moment so Heath cleaned up all but two basins for later ... Just in case they were needed. As the last of his daylight began to fade Heath trudged out to the barn to take care of the animals for the night and brought in more firewood.

Gretchen and Bjorn were asleep. Heath talked to Mariana about her need to use the baths to keep the baby from getting too hot again and the need to make her drink water between nursing. The woman tried to express her gratitude using her broken English. Mariana decided they would be fine since the baby's temperature was under control for a few hours by then and Heath had shown her what to do if it went higher again.

Unsure if he should spend the night or get back to the ranch Heath finally pulled out of the Andersens. He felt awful and wanted to go home.

It had been raining at a good clip when Heath finished dropping supplies off at Silas' church. He covered the sacks with a tarp and tied everything down. As he rode towards home Heath began to feel very strange. He would not admit it, but Heath felt terrible all day and except for the canteens of water he continuously refilled he hadn't eaten a thing. The episode with the beef soup last night convinced him not to try anything on his stomach any time soon.

He pulled up to the barn in a driving rain. Jack and a few other men heard the team and came out to help him get the wagon under cover while someone in the group took care of the horses. Jack talked to Heath, but his words made no sense. It was like Jack and the other men were at the end of a long foggy tunnel. Heath nodded his gratitude then walked slowly through the rain as he fought for balance then entered the back of the house.

The kitchen was warm, but empty. It was very late and the family must have gone up to keep warm in their bedrooms. Heath took off his boots and left them with his soaking wet hat, coat, socks, and vest by the door. He started up the stairs noticing they seemed terribly steep and numerous tonight.

"HEATH! YOU FORGOT YOUR CHORES!"

Heath wheeled around on the bottom step after the landing to turn for the second floor. The kitchen was empty, but he was certain he heard his mother, Leah's, voice. Strange he would think that ... Heath knew all too well the woman was dead. He thought about turning to go up to bed, but instead sat down on the stair then leaned on the wall.

Sad, sad, sad kitchen stared back at him. Empty ... No Silas and no Leah. Heath closed his eyes and tried to picture his mother's face. His mind was spinning with various thoughts, vicious words spoken with hate, lists of the ranch's needs, chores, Gretchen, and so much more. Heath fought his mind for control but couldn't harness it and make himself see a clear picture of his mother.

He sat for a long time suddenly too worn to move another step. The empty kitchen greeted him each time Heath braved his headache and opened his eyes. Heath sat on the step, let the wall hold him up, and worked hard for some control. Goodness he was thirsty, but the water was all the way down there in the kitchen. He would get some in a while. Yes, Heath would get up in a bit for a drink and then go to bed. Everything went black as he let himself rest.

"Heath?"

Victoria came down the back stairs to get a cup of tea. It was very late and Heath was out somewhere in the pouring rain. Victoria knew she wouldn't rest until her youngest boy came in to say good night.

"Heath," Victoria sat down on the step next to Heath, "What are you ..."

She didn't need to feel Heath's head ... Heat was radiating from his entire body and his face was terribly flushed. He turned his head while still resting against the wall and when Heath opened his eyes he was so glad to see Victoria. He reached for her hand and smiled.

"Sweetheart, what are you doing sitting here. Let's get you up to bed."

Heath turned his head back to the kitchen and struggled to contain his emotions.

"Do you remember your mother's face?"

Victoria moved closer and gently rubbed Heath's face with her free hand.

"I can, but only late at night when I really concentrate and bring her memories near," Victoria moved in front of Heath's eyes, "Do you remember Leah's face?"

"No," Heath let a few tears drop on his shirt before he flicked at his eyes, "I've been trying so hard, but everything is muddled. I think I've lost her somewhere deep inside and I can't see her face."

Heath looked past Victoria towards the kitchen, "The kitchen is terribly empty, mother."

Victoria patted his arm and gave Heath a kiss. Immediately her heart began to race as Victoria's lips warned her this child, her son, was in danger.

"JARROD! JARROD, HURRY!"

She sat back down towards Heath's side and laid her head on his shoulder.

"The baby didn't die, but I don't think she'll be there when I go back tomorrow and Mrs. Karras can go to Hell...."

Heath's mind was going through his day and he began to ramble as Jarrod came down the steps behind them, Audra on his heels. They quietly talked about Heath's condition while he rambled on and on to himself still upset he couldn't bring a picture of Leah into the front of his mind.

Jarrod knelt down on the steps in front of Heath. It would be easier to try and get Heath to help them move him to his room. First, they needed to see if Heath could stand up. If Heath couldn't, Jarrod would have to run across in the pouring rain and get some men to carry his brother upstairs.

"Good evening, brother Heath," Jarrod smiled and put his hands on Heath's knees while placing his face in front of Heath's focus.

Heath mumbled, "Every man shall give as he is able, according to the blessing of the Lord thy God which he hath given thee".

Jarrod tried to lean farther forward to listen, but only Victoria caught the verse. Heath let out a heavy sigh, obviously relieved knowing of Jarrod's presence. Heath smiled, stared deeply into his brother's eyes, then leaned forward and put his hand on Jarrod's face before his eyes rolled back and he fell limp. Jarrod eased Heath from his shoulder back onto the stairs while his mother tried to calm Audra.

Jarrod left his youngest brother unconscious on the step while Audra was sent to prepare his bed and their mother tried to waken Heath. He ran to the bunkhouse for help with Heath's telegram playing over and over in his head. "I'm sorry, I know you are busy. I need your help. Please, come home as soon as possible. Heath." Jarrod's heart, mind, and soul filled with a terrible fear ... Had he come home in time?

"Audra," Victoria didn't look up from where she knelt next to the top of the tub, "Go get two pair of my good sewing scissors, "Jarrod get Nick back to bed before he collapses. Nick, I'm sorry, but I can only deal with one unconscious man right now. Please, stay in bed and we'll come tell you how Heath is doing."

For a brief moment they were alone. Victoria moved close to Heath and began to use a cup to pour water over his face, head, and neck after grabbing her robe and wiping the tears from her face. This was no time for emotions ... Heath was in danger. This was a war Victoria Barkley had no intention of losing.

"What can I do mother?", Audra laid the scissors on the floor and leaned against the wall.

"Put extra padding on Heath's bed since I have a feeling we are going to be using lots of water in there. Get paper and a pencil for later. I want to go over what needs done around the house for the next few days. Then I need you to rest Audra. It is very late and I'm going to need you to run the house, supervise the help, and generally take my place until Heath's is stable. Do you think you can handle everything?"

"Yes, mother," Audra looked at Heath whose head had rolled back and now his breathing sounded fast, loud, shallow, difficult, and wet, "All except the part where I leave you alone to care for Heath and got to rest."

Victoria turned her head briefly and smiled at her worried daughter.

"Believe me," Victoria returned to her son, "Staying well and being able to take over the house will not only help me ... It will help Heath because I can concentrate on him and only him."

Audra walked over and knelt down. She kissed her mother and after a long stare at her brother leaned in to give him a kiss. Audra closed her eyes and didn't fight the tears which fell while letting her head drop when she felt the heat from Heath's cheek.

"Fight," Audra whispered, "Please, Heath, I love you so."

She patted her mother's shoulder and was so lost in thought Audra bumped into Jarrod at the door. He hugged her then she left for her room.

"How bad is it, mother?"

Jarrod knelt down and watched Victoria pouring water over any part of Heath not submerged in the water.

"Pull the plug, please. This water is getting too warm and we need to get Heath's clothes off."

Jarrod pulled the plug and his hand caught his mother's as she went to scoop up more water. He turned her face to his with his dry hand and looked deeply into the eyes they all counted on for honesty.

"How bad?"

"I think..." Victoria pulled away and picked up the scissors, "I think Heath has been sick for a few days and didn't tell anyone. He is terribly dehydrated and the fever ... Let's get these wet clothes off before we run more water."

Jarrod and Victoria cut off Heath's pants, shirt, and underwear. Jarrod held his brother up while Victoria pulled the pieces of clothing out from under Heath. They turned the water back on and Jarrod threw the destroyed items into a corner out of their way before going to the linen cabinet for towels.

"Mr. Barkley," Jack was sitting at the top of the backstairs waiting for anyone to exit the bath.

"Jack," Jarrod hesitated for a moment.

"I just wanted you to know the boys are going to take turns sitting down in the kitchen in case you need some strong arms. We're making coffee if you need it. Plus, Heath wrote out all the work for tomorrow and I didn't want anyone to worry ... I'll take charge and be sure you can concentrate on your family."

"Thank you, Jack. Tell the men I appreciate their efforts."

"No problem," Jack stood up and turned to go back downstairs, "Heath and Nick make great bosses. We'd hate to break up a good team."

Jarrod ran back down the hall and laid the piles of towels on the floor. His mother had already traded out the water again and when Jarrod took a washcloth and took a turn keeping Heath wet he was depressed to find his youngest brother as hot or hotter than before. Jarrod worked while trying to remember how late it was when Heath first went unconscious. Time was rushing by and Heath hadn't moved or made any effort to come around. Jarrod was a lawyer and not a doctor, but he knew this prolonged lack of response couldn't be good.

"I'll take over again," Victoria moved back to the top of the tub after letting the water out once more.

"I'm all right, mother," Jarrod kept working.

"NO," Victoria picked up a washcloth, "This is war, Jarrod! A war we can not afford to lose. We need to take turns and be sure we stay diligent."

"Yes, ma'am," Jarrod moved around to the foot of the tub and sat on the edge. When the water ran out he returned the plug to its place and turned the faucet on once more. They did this until almost dawn.

Victoria talked to Heath and had Jarrod talk to him about times they spent together. She knew time was running out for her to break his fever ... Heath could be baking alive in her arms. It was time to slide down from the edge of the tub and kneel on the floor for another turn while Jarrod rested his legs.

While they were switching out Victoria noticed Heath slowly opened his eyes looking around without true focus. Heath stared trying to make himself concentrate on Victoria's face as she moved closer and caressed his cheek with her hand.

The young man's voice was barely above a whisper, "Tom Barkley was an imperfect man. Died ... wretched mistake. I should be proud to be his son," Heath tried to sit up without any success and looked around with a lost expression finally resting his crystal blue eyes back on Victoria, "I should be proud. I have to live ... Fight as he would ... Never, ever, forget..."

Heath began to fade away. Victoria instantly knew the conversation Heath was recalling. She also knew it was good he was arousing, but bad Heath was confused.

Victoria held tight to his face and made him look at her, she sternly spoke, "That's what I would tell you ... If you were my son."

Jarrod put a hand on his mother's shoulder as Heath closed his eyes. He had no idea what they were talking about, but understood Heath recognized their mother and was recalling a conversation with her. Victoria leaned in and kissed him then put her hand on Jarrod's as she leaned back and took a few breaths.

"Tom Barkley would be proud of you, Heath," Victoria held Jarrod's hand tight and used her free hand to brush through Heath's soaking wet hair, "I'm sorry I haven't told you that lately. He would be so proud..."

They rinsed Heath for a while longer then called the men up from the kitchen and watched as he was carried into his room. Jarrod thanked the men while Victoria covered Heath with the towels she wet down and twisted to remove the excess water. The house was cold. It was an early crisp fall morning, but Heath lay hotter than a furnace on his bed merely covered with wet towels.

Victoria stayed busy turning the towels every few minutes to keep the cool side down on her boy's skin. Jarrod held Heath's head and as he often did in the bathtub tried to get Heath to swallow water without much success.

Audra came in dressed for the day. She assured her mother Nick was fine ... Asleep when she checked on him a few minutes before. Audra and Victoria moved to the chairs by Heath's window and went over the needs around the house. Jarrod worked on keeping Heath cool and thought how much he appreciated knowing Jack already had the ranch's needs under control. The battle wasn't won or lost for Heath's life and Jarrod intended to fight as long as he needed to.

When Audra left they rolled Heath over so Victoria could wipe his back with cool water. Their eyes met briefly when the boy was first turned ... Heath's family would never, ever, get used to seeing Carterson's scars blatantly screaming from his back. The heat coming of the padding Heath was lying on was amazing.

Victoria used wet washcloths and washed from the back of Heath's neck to his ankles. Victoria thought Heath grimaced when she pushed on his lower back, but Jarrod said he didn't notice. The second time she washed around his lower spine Heath not only grimaced the boy moaned and tried to talk, but only produced a few mumbles with "damn" being the most recognizable word. Jarrod smiled back at Victoria as she finished up. They laid Heath back and changed out the wet towels.

"He's reacting to pain," Victoria sat beside Heath and wiped off his face, "Heath is semi-conscious and confused, but responding to pain. Jarrod we may be making some progress here."

Victoria looked up and smiled for the first time in hours. Jarrod grabbed hold of the hope she offered and hung on.

"How about bringing us both some coffee," Victoria moved even closer to Heath, "And bring up the molasses ... Let's see if Heath's stomach will take some hydration and nourishment."

Jarrod gladly went on his errands. He peeked in to check on his other brother and found Nick trying to get dressed. Jarrod walked in and stood with his hands on his hips.

"I know, Jarrod," Nick was getting his old vengeance back in his voice, "I'm going to be good. I just figured if mother stopped in ... Even if I was asleep ... She might feel better seeing me dressed and at least looking like I felt better."

Jarrod dropped his hands to his sides and smiled.

"Are you feeling better?"

Nick shook his head, "This is the damnedest dadgum disease. I've never been so sick before in my life, but I'm starting to feel stronger. Problem is my energy only lasts for a little while and then I could sleep for ten years. How's Heath?"

"Better ... Maybe," Jarrod rested his hand on Nick's shoulder, "I'm not really sure. We haven't broken his fever, but mother seems to think it isn't as high."

"I'll wait and walk over after breakfast," Nick smiled and walked to a chair while seeming glad to rest once more, "That boy was doing the work of about thirty people around here. Even when I was really out of it I remember feeling like the ranch was okay. I knew Heath would take care of things."

Nick turned his head to the window and did some deep breathing. Jarrod turned for the door.

"Do you ever get the feeling Heath's actually always been here? I mean, is it hard to remember the ranch without him?"

Jarrod nodded when Nick turned to see his response, whispering, "I've thought of those things too, Nick."

"Oh, by the way, pappy," Nick caught Jarrod before he closed the door, "How did you end up being here the minute Heath got sick?"

Jarrod stepped back in and leveled a gaze at Nick, answering, "He wired me the night before last. Asked for my help ... Requested I come home."

"Oh," Nick knew the meaning of these words ... Heath was sick and had kept on working for at least one day, possibly more.

"You know what hit me when I read the telegram? Couldn't get it out of my mind last night either."

"What?"

"He opened the telegram with an apology. Said he knew I was busy and added he was sorry."

Jarrod stood thinking through the message once more.

"Guess when we get out of this mess it might be time to take that boy out to the cabin and reexplain the meaning of family."

Jarrod nodded and left as both men thought about their younger brother's place in the Barkley family. Did he know how much impact Heath made in a little over two years? Jarrod got busy and Nick walked over to poke at his fire ... It was going to be a long day.

Heath muttered, moaned, and talked the hours away. He drank when something was put in his mouth, but only in small amounts. Jarrod offered him a half glass of thickened water by mistake when Heath seemed briefly more alert during the morning and then had to help Victoria clean up when Heath brought the water right back up. They took the wet towels off and left a dry towel covering Heath's private area at intervals during the day, but his fever quickly rose without the wet towels to keep him cool so just as quickly they quickly went back on. The entire family decided to be grateful the towels were working and the men didn't need to carry Heath back and forth to the tub.

Nick came in around mid-afternoon for a second visit. He sat on the bed beside his rambling brother. He sat quietly holding Heath's hand and seemed far away with his little brother. Jarrod and Victoria worked on cleaning up and preparing for another round with the towels knowing Nick would call if Heath needed attention.

Audra came in with Nick's tea for his joints and mentioned Nick hadn't had his salts bath all day. Victoria began to make plans for Jarrod to help Nick get bathed after he drank his tea.

"Com'on, Nick," Audra tapped his shoulder for the forth time as she waited for Nick to drink his tea and answer why he hadn't finished his dinner tray.

"I'M NOT HUNGRY, AUDRA. JUST LEAVE ME ALONE!"

Before the family could react to the unnecessary bickering Heath opened his eyes in reaction to Nick's suddenly loud voice.

"Heath!", Nick held his brother's hand tighter and smiled, "Boy am I glad to see you waking up."

Heath made an attempt to hold Nick's hand, whispering, "I'm so sorry, Nick ... I let you down."

Nick's smile disappeared as he leaned over into Heath's face, barking, "YOU'VE NEVER LET ME DOWN, BOY!"

"My responsibility," Heath closed his eyes drifting away, "I promised you I'd take care ... Responsibility."

Heath was out again, but Nick didn't notice. He lifted Heath up and held him close. Jarrod walked over to steady Nick as he weaved with Heath's weight in his weakened arms.

"You did a great job," Nick talked directly in Heath's ear suddenly afraid his brother would never know what he wanted him to hear, "The ranch is going strong. We didn't lose a single animal. Everything is well cared for ... You did a great job, Heath."

Jarrod helped Nick put Heath back down. The boy was mumbling again with his eyes closed. They both stood and watched for a long moment feeling sad. Victoria waved off Audra from joining the reflective moment and put her arms on both men.

"This is good," Victoria purposely waited for Jarrod and Nick to turn their gazes her way, "Heath's moving into more recent thoughts and he definitely heard and recognized Nick. Let's look at the positives. Now, get out of my way these towels need turned."

Jarrod and Audra walked Nick back to his room. Audra went down the back stairs and Jarrod followed. He and Victoria were talking and remembered the Petersens needed a visit. Audra sat down and was talking to Rosa. Jarrod put on his coat and went to find Ciego to make sure someone rode over and checked on their neighbors. Then he checked around for Jack so they could talk about plans for the ranch.

Victoria was finally alone with Heath. He was still terribly warm, but not on fire. The towels seemed to be working and the constant ramblings were better than those first few hours of silence when she truly thought Heath was going to be lost. She and Jarrod smiled on and off all day while catching bits and pieces of where Heath was in his mind. There had been mostly talk regarding horses and chores around the ranch. Occasionally Heath muttered something about his life in Strawberry or the people from his life there. There were small mentions of being in battles, personal fights, a few bible verses here and there, plus Heath talked to or about women. Jarrod would shake his head not knowing what to do, but Victoria smiled knowing her boys all possessed stories not meant for her ears.

She propped Heath up after turning the towels and was rewarded when he woke and smiled her way. Victoria sat on the edge of the bed and reached for a glass then stirred the thickened water she wanted Heath to drink.

"I'm so cold, mother," Heath tried to focus on her.

"I know, son. Here drink this Heath," Victoria put a spoonful of water in Heath's mouth.

Heath choked on the first gulp, but did better with the next few as Victoria cooed for him to swallow.

"Am I sick?" Heath managed to speak before Victoria got more water in his mouth.

"Yes, you are, but you are getting much better."

"Thanks, I have a feeling you've been here."

"Drink."

Heath took a few more mouthfuls, closed his eyes and mouth, and lay back with a shiver.

"I'm so darn cold, mother."

Heath fell asleep and Victoria kissed his cheek to be sure. He was warm, but not hot. She took off the towel and covered him with a light sheet. If he stayed cool they could think about more covers, but this fever was nasty and her instincts told her Heath hadn't beaten it yet.

An hour later when Jarrod came back into the house he found his mother sitting with Heath. His brother was sleeping without mumbling or being semi-conscious. There was an air of peace, hope, and calm in the sick room for the first time. Heath appeared to be enjoying a healthy sleep so Jarrod found a chair by the window and joined him.

Jarrod finished helping Victoria turn Heath and care for his back. They left him propped on his side. Jarrod carried their supper trays down and was ordered to visit with Nick and Audra. Victoria cleaned up from the latest bed bath Heath received. She turned the lamps down low and took a brief break to look out the window towards the cold and wet ranch below.

"I don't want to go back down there," Heath's voice was barely audible, but Victoria had spent the day honing in on his mumbling.

"It's dark and I'm scared, ma," Heath was trying to push against the pillows Victoria had behind his back to keep him turned.

"PLEASE! I won't eat no more.... Just at Aunt Rachel's," Heath was getting upset, restless, and agitated.

Victoria sat down next to Heath on the bed and rubbed his shoulder. He felt warm and it had only been a few minutes since she bathed him.

"Heath, sweetheart," Victoria took a cloth and wiped his face, "Try to wake up for me."

Heath turned his shoulders and face towards the voice, but was still lost in his dream, whispering, "I'll ask Mr. Corey and I can work more at the saloon. Please, ma, its too dark".

Heath opened his eyes, but Victoria could see he was confused. She leaned over and turned up the lamp.

"Its okay, Heath. You are at home, in your room, and everything is going to be all right."

The boy's eyes darted around, he finally found Victoria, pleading, "I'm sorry I complained, mama. I won't do it no more. I don't want you to cry. I'll go back in the mine tomorrow, ma. I'm sorry."

Victoria tried to overcome her emotions at being mistaken for Leah, cooing back, "You're a good boy, Heath. I'm sorry we need the money. Don't be frightened."

He closed his eyes and seemed to be having trouble breathing. Victoria pulled the pillows from behind him and started to prop him up to ease his breathing.

Heath kept whispering, "Its so dark ... So dark".

Without needing to check anymore Victoria left Heath mumbling while she prepared the towels. She pulled down the sheet and once again covered Heath with wet towels and the battle against the fever was back in full swing. Jarrod joined her when Nick and Audra were comfortable in their rooms for the evening. In another hour they had to call the hands back into the house to carry Heath back to the bathtub.

Jarrod and Victoria had their jobs down to a science since the first time Heath was soaking in cool water last night. They each grabbed a few naps during the day, but Victoria was truly starting to drag since she was still recovering herself. As the night began to pass while Heath's fever tried to steal him from his family Jarrod took over his brother's care. He moved a chair into the bathroom and made Victoria rest there. The water flowed in and out of the tub as Heath's body warmed it in record time.

Finally in the middle of the night Jarrod began to detect less heat radiating from Heath's skin. He kept pouring water over him and wiping his face, neck, and head with the washcloths.

"Jarrod?", Heath whispered while his breathing remained rapid and shallow.

"Well," Jarrod sat back and made sure to be in front of Heath's line of vision, "Glad to see you rejoining us."

Victoria woke up and walked over to sit on the edge of the tub.

"I'm so glad to see you. I need your help. The ranch ....."

Heath stopped in mid-sentence and looked around.

"Am I in the tub?"

Victoria and Jarrod laughed with glee to hear Heath's recognition of his current situation. Victoria leaned on Jarrod's back and smiled down at Heath.

"Yes, brother Heath, you are indeed in the bathtub!"

Heath closed his eyes for a moment and shook his head.

"Fever?"

"For two nights now. You've had us worried, little brother."

When Jarrod said us, Heath's mind remembered Victoria smiling from over Jarrod's shoulder. He peeked up and raised his eyebrow high.

"Guess any chance of teasing Nick about prancing around naked before mother is out of the question now?"

Heath looked to Jarrod's face for an answer and closed his eyes and shook his head again seeing Jarrod's evil smile and nod of agreement. Heath laid quiet feeling exhausted by the exchange of words as his body started to be overcome with terrible shivers and he worked hard to clinch his teeth as they chattered. Jarrod let the water out and Victoria covered Heath with a big warm flannel sheet while his brother went for help getting Heath back to bed.

The bed felt wonderful. Heath hurt everywhere and hated to be moved or touched. He grimaced and tried not to moan realizing he must be moved from the tub to bed, but the effort left him with no energy to hide the pain while Victoria and Jarrod got him completely dried off and settled.

Finally he was allowed to lie still and started feeling warmer. Victoria sat beside him and rubbed his shoulder then moved her hand to caress his face. Heath opened his eyes and smiled at her before Jarrod insisted he drink a few more spoonfuls of the thick sweet water.

"If I've been rambling," Heath closed his eyes and fought the chills, "I sure hope I blathered on in Spanish and didn't embarrass myself too much."

Jarrod and Victoria looked at each other and smiled.

"Jarrod," Victoria turned to take in the concerned face of her eldest son, "There's a pot of tea sitting on the back of the stove. Let's let Heath try a bit of that to warm him up."

Jarrod left the room and Victoria moved close and held him tight. It seemed to help as Heath appeared to shiver less violently, but was still in obvious pain, fighting chills, and very uncomfortable.

"Who was Cat?" Victoria rubbed her hands up and down Heath's shoulders, chest, and arms trying to make him warmer.

"Cat!" Heath rolled his eyes around and smiled, "God! What did I say?"

Victoria smiled mischievously, "Oh, she seems to have had rather nice? Let me see ... I'll just say body".

Heath caught his mother's tease and was now so full of the familiar post-fever pallor she easily saw him blush. It was good to see the fever replaced by Heath's blush.

"They were nice ... Her body I mean," Heath smiled, "Not too big ... Just right. And her name was Caitlin, but I called her Cat."

"I see," Victoria leaned over and kissed a finally cool cheek, "You apparently liked her very much."

Heath wondered what else he'd let slip.

"How long did you say I've been sick?"

"Two nights with the fever, but I happen to believe you were sick much longer than that and didn't tell anybody. YOU DIDN'T TELL ME, YOUNG MAN."

Heath tried to think back, but couldn't remember. The chills were easing or was Victoria simply good at making him forget them. Heath kept his eyes closed and felt himself relaxing into his mother's touch as she continued to try and warm his chest, shoulders, and arms.

"I'm sorry. Two nights? Boy howdy, I hope I didn't give away the store talking."

Victoria watched Heath fall asleep as dawn was thinking about gracing the ranch outside his window with light. She closed her eyes attempting to pray the true depth of her gratitude. Stockton had been devastated, but the Barkley family only lost one member. There were families who lost many more than one and others that no longer existed. Life would be hard without Silas and yet Victoria had a feeling she and her children were going to be all right.

Jarrod returned with the tea. He kept silent vigil with his mother while she drank Heath's tea. Then he walked Victoria back to her room and a well-deserved rest. Jarrod returned to his youngest brother side and made himself comfortable in a chair pulled next to Heath's bed. Perhaps they beat the fever, but now the family needed to figure out how to get his brothers well.

Jarrod fell asleep reviewing his need to get to work doing something both of his brothers did much better than he. Jarrod Barkley wasn't going to be a lawyer for the next month or more. No, Jarrod was finally going to do what Tom Barkley always dreamt his eldest son would do for his growing empire. Victoria and Tom Barkley's firstborn child, eldest son, heir, and man otherwise known to the world as Jarrod was going to run the ranch.

In exchange for the land Ciego's five nephews would work this winter for the Barkley ranch. They were already riding for the ranch ahead of their family's and were expected in a few days. The manpower was greatly needed and some of Ciego's family may even stay on to secure an income while they worked to fix up the ranch and make it their home. Ciego and his immediate family planned on staying in the Barkley's employment along with Rosa and her daughter.

While Jarrod was organizing these activities he had Jack bring all Heath's notes from the previous weeks regarding work crew assignments. Jack gladly provided the lists, plus added his thoughts to the papers before giving them to Jarrod. The rain was the ranch's worst enemy now and they needed healthy hands to work on the levees and complete the other early winter work. The ranch would need to be on a make-it-through schedule for a few more weeks until the work crews were back to full manpower.

Jarrod sat staring at the lists of work Heath wrote out for the ranch foreman and the crews. He smiled recognizing Heath's need to organize his thoughts very similar to the way Jarrod liked to work. Nick would think these notes, plans, and schedules much fuss about nothing, but Jarrod knew the value of seeing how Heath divided up the ranch and set priorities. Heath's outline was going to be Jarrod's Bible during his interim as a rancher.

Manuel was one of the first hands to fall ill to the disease many weeks before. He was ready to return to light duty and Jarrod assigned him to check on the Petersen family and assist Bjorn with the daily chores. As men began to feel well they were given light assignments, but none could do a full day's work. Nick and Heath were not the only strong healthy men having trouble recovering from this devastating strain of influenza. Jarrod made plans to move some savings to cover the cost of paying ill hands, plus hiring the new hands. There was so much to think about, but Jarrod loved the intellectual challenge.

To clear his mind Jarrod got up early the first morning he was sure both Nick and Heath were out of danger and saddled up Jingo for a ride around the entire ranch. He took his time and let himself begin to feel a part of the ranch once more. Jarrod had merely been a visitor for many, many, years now and was impressed seeing the land once more with his own eyes. He always assumed his brothers were working hard, but seeing the great shape the ranch was in gave him even more respect for both younger men.

"Evening, Mr. Barkley."

Jack took Jarrod's horse and gave the reins to another hand.

"How was your day?"

"Great, Jack," Jarrod smiled, "I'm going to be relying heavily on you and realize you're right when you mentioned the other night about looking outside of Stockton for some extra hands to make it through the winter. Ciego's five nephews won't be all we'll need. I used the ranch itself to remind me of the immense needs around here each day. I know we must move hiring hands up on our priority list."

"Yes, sir."

Jarrod smiled as they moved away from the others and patted Jack on the back.

"I know Heath doubled your salary for the duration," he laughed thinking back to Jack's gentle reminder on this fact, "I thought he was nuts! But riding this ranch, the land my father loved, I feel Heath was more than doing the right thing Jack. Thank you for your loyalty and hard work."

"No problem," Jack's voice was quiet, "I've been working ranches since I was thirteen. Never found a fair shake till I started on here. I'm proud Nick and Heath decided to let me try being foreman."

"I tell you what," Jarrod put a hand on the younger man's shoulder, "I'll grab a bite with my family and we can meet in the study for a nightcap and talk this over in more detail."

"Thanks," Jack seemed hopeful for a change; "I'll see you in a couple of hours."

Jarrod went inside and walked straight to the study. He pulled Heath's lists out once more and used them to draw up the final details on his outline of the chores to be done on daily, weekly, or biweekly cycles. Then Jarrod drew up a list of the seasonal jobs that needed attended to and fit everything on his schedule. He was so busy writing out his plans to share with Jack that Jarrod never heard Victoria enter the room.

"Jarrod," Victoria moved closer and kissed his cheek, "I didn't hear you come in."

"Sorry, mother," Jarrod finished what he was writing, "Jack will be over in a while and I needed to get my thoughts down."

"When this is all over we need to do something truly special for Jack. He's only been on the ranch four years and foreman less than one, but what a marvelous job he's done. Jack really came through for us during this horribly trying time."

"Yes," Jarrod smiled, "Nick mentioned fixing up the old ranch house over by Grace Creek. Seems Jack has been seriously dating Lila Spear and they'll need a proper wedding present."

"Oh, Jarrod!" Victoria beamed, "That is a wonderful idea. I'll ride out there and take a look tomorrow if it doesn't rain. It will do Nick and Audra good to ride out in the buggy with me."

"Speaking of Nick and Audra ... How are your patients this evening?"

Victoria looked more serious, "Audra is doing fine. She's bored. Audra feels better and wants to return to her normal social calendar and Stockton simply isn't well enough to be back into social events. Nick is slowly growing stronger, but his lack of energy truly worries him. I think riding out to the old house by Grace Creek will do him a world of good."

"And Heath?"

"Not good," Victoria tried to think how to put her instincts into words, "Heath had the worse fever case of any of us and let himself get terribly run down before he became ill in the first place. This fact is not helping his recovery. Also that boy's back is really giving him fits even though Heath never says a word. The doctor is due out late tomorrow afternoon ... First time the overworked man has been able to break away from Stockton. This strain of influenza certainly was horrid."

"And?"

"Pardon?" Victoria turned from gazing out the window.

"When you said Heath wasn't good I got the feeling you weren't simply talking about the leftover effects of the fever or his chronic back pain."

Victoria walked over and leaned on the front of Jarrod's desk, "You know me well".

"Yes, I do."

"Heath is .... Down? I guess that is what I'll use for lack of a better word. Nick has been terribly angry, depressed, and frightened by his aching joints and lack of strength during recovery, but I could always see a spark in his eyes. FIGHT!"

Jarrod put down his pen and moved around to look into his mother eyes as she still struggled to find the right words.

"Heath has no fight. He is still in a tremendous amount of pain and the weakness frustrates him, but I don't see him angry or determined like Nick. At this point Heath isn't angry enough to get well. They are both on the same schedules for eating, drinking, bathing, and getting exercise, but Heath simply isn't making very much progress. And Heath is so quiet."

Jarrod laughed and reached to touch his mother.

"You won't get far with many people who know Heath by saying he's quiet."

"I know," Victoria looked up and smiled back, "This is a different quiet. I can't explain it, but it is."

Jarrod hugged his mother and they went to join Audra and Nick for supper in the dining room. Nick and Jarrod talked over his plans and Nick made some wonderful suggestions. Victoria spoke to Nick daily about being a mentor for Jarrod without insisting on bullying his older brother into running the ranch as he would. Jarrod needed Nick and Heath's support and she was going to assure he received it.

In keeping with their conversations Victoria forbid Nick attending the meeting and noticed he didn't really argue. Nick was very weak and coming down for meals was still a great effort for him. Nick subconsciously realized he must let Jarrod take over and rest himself or he'd never recover and get back to the work he loved. Truthfully Jarrod was glad to discuss things with Nick, but just as glad not to have him tag along and take over the meeting with Jack. Jack and Jarrod needed to form their own partnership if the Barkley ranch was going to survive this winter season.

While Jarrod finalized work schedules and hiring plans with Jack the rest of the family climbed the stairs and sat with Heath while he tried to eat. Heath's appetite was basically nonexistent and Victoria made him try to eat five or six small meals each day. Heath still wasn't handling much more than soup which also truly worried his mother. Audra and Nick talked, laughed, and shared information regarding Jarrod's plans for the ranch with their blonde brother. Victoria sat and watched Heath not eat, not talk, and finally fall asleep without Audra or Nick noticing he drifted off since Heath wasn't participating in their conversation or the game of Hearts they were playing beside his bed. Victoria was more than anxious to talk to Stockton's doctor when he arrived the next afternoon.

"NO!", Rosa's broken English stirred Victoria from her place by the fire.

The morning trip to see Jack's possible wedding gift was postponed when the day turned out to be full of rain. Victoria was catching up on some correspondence by the fire while Audra read and Nick took an after breakfast nap. Jarrod was out working on the ranch hours ago. Heath was back to sleep after once more not eating his breakfast.

"BACK DOOR FOR YOU!"

Victoria pulled the door open to see who Rosa was addressing.

"Reverend Waters," Victoria held out her hand, offered a smile, and felt horrible about Rosa's reaction to there more than welcome visitor.

"Mrs. Barkley," a smile took over the large man's face as he accepted her hand, "I hope I'm not disturbing you stopping so early in the morning.

"Not at all," Victoria waited for his wet coat and hat then handed them to Rosa, adding, "The reverend and his family are welcome here at any time Rosa."

Rosa shook her head and walked away to hang the coat by the kitchen stove.

"Won't you please join my daughter and I by the warm fire."

Audra stood and smile while greeting their visitor.

"My we offer you something warm ... Tea or coffee?"

"No, thank you," Reverend Waters took a sit next to the wonderful fire.

Audra excused herself and went to wake her brothers for their midmorning exercise and refreshments.

"What brings you all this way in the rain, sir?"

"Mrs. Barkley, I once again apologize for arriving without an invitation."

"You are always welcome in our home, reverend."

"Thank you, ma'am. When I saw the large selection of supplies Heath unloaded the other night in the pouring rain I was overwhelmed to say the least. His donations have served many families throughout our congregation. Then while I visited in town yesterday I heard someone say the boy had taken ill with the fever. I hope you don't mind my being forward, but I simply had to check on Heath's well-being."

"No, I don't mind," Victoria smiled thinking of Heath taking supplies to Silas' church during the crisis. Something very Heath about the gesture and a program the family should follow up on for him. Victoria made a mental note to mention the donations to Jarrod.

"Then the young man is ill."

"Yes," Victoria smiled, "I thought we were going to lose him on and off for two days, but Heath managed to pull through."

"Praise the Lord. Such a special young man, your Heath."

Victoria met the minister's eyes and felt uncommon warmth. Rarely did anyone in Stockton refer to Heath as her son and she liked hearing those words instead of having to bark them at someone in Heath's defense.

"Thank you, Reverend Waters. I know how Heath feels about you and your words mean a great deal to me."

"Is Heath out of danger?"

Victoria had to think about how to answer this question. Her first thought was to merely say yes, but Victoria's maternal instincts told her Heath's health was not good.

"I'm not sure."

Reverend Waters sat back in his chair sensing the woman before him needed time to formulate her answer. They had only met a few times when Mrs. Barkley rode to the church with Silas, but they had Heath's welfare in common today so he would wait to see if Heath's second mother wanted to share more information regarding the boy's status.

"Silas' death has been very hard on Heath. They were very close and spent time together most mornings. An old army injury of Heath's which causes him enormous pain seems to be acting up and I know this tends to get him down even when my son is otherwise well. But, Reverend, there seems to be something going on with Heath and I don't know how to help him.

"Heath is quiet in an unhealthy way, lethargic, and his lack of appetite is threatening his chances for recovery. He worked for days before collapsing when I know Heath must have been horribly ill. One of the first things he said to his brother, Nick, while still confused from the fever was to apologize for letting Nick down. Now it seems no matter what anyone says Heath is convinced being human and getting ill means he wasn't successful in his efforts to run the ranch.

"I don't have to tell you the struggle our fever victims face to regain their health. I'm afraid Heath doesn't have the desire to will himself well."

Victoria caught herself talking out loud and revealing the secret worries she held in her heart regarding her youngest son. She smiled and bowed her head.

"Forgive me, sir. I don't usually ramble like this."

"Mrs. Barkley," Reverend Waters leaned forward, "I'm honored you trust me with your inner most thoughts. It is obvious Heath is loved and only natural you would be frustrated and worried. Grief is a mysterious beast for many of us to handle. It sounds like Heath has many things disturbing his mind which could be interfering with his ability to concentrate his energies on getting well."

"Do you think this is all related to Heath's grieving for Silas?"

"Well, yes and no, Mrs. Barkley," Reverend Waters reached for her hand and lightly tapped it before pulling back, "Heath and Silas were very close. I remember the day we buried Silas. The fever was in full swing around Stockton so there were only a few people able to attend. During graveside funerals in our congregation we go around the group and let everyone who cares to participate take a turn speaking.

"Your son offered two things in Mr. Alexander's honor. First, Heath shared Psalms 34:17 "The righteous cry, and the Lord heareth, and delivereth them out of all their troubles."

I must admit we were all standing trying to take in the young man's choice of verse when Heath added a poignant, heartfelt, and sorrowful prayer ... It was a moment I will personally never forget. Heath said "Thank you, Lord, for true and courageous friends, who change our lives."

Mrs. Barkley, I imagine there are large sections of Stockton's population who would not understand a white man grieving for an old black butler let alone sharing words so close to his heart in front of others. Silas would have been proud of your Heath."

Victoria met the reverend's eyes and nodded her head. "Heath was greatly disturbed, but when his brother came for him insisting they get back to work I had no chance to speak with the boy and help him through his obvious suffering. Then I came down with the fever myself and rarely had a chance to speak when he delivered supplies. But we must remember this is only an example of one type of grief, Mrs. Barkley."

Victoria leaned forward now. Perhaps this man could help her find a way to help Heath.

"Heath has lived a long time life in only his twenty or so years," The reverend smiled seeing the confusion on Victoria's face, "Your son has been made to live with a label forced upon Heath the moment of his birth. He continues to live in a world that finds it acceptable to judge a man, not by his own actions, but by the actions of his father. This must be a heavy burden for a man so young and yet Heath handles it well while seeing no hope for the future holding any change for him.

"Quite a few of my congregation work for white folks in town. They have told me of the incidents and rumors since your family decided to welcome Heath, Mrs. Barkley. Hearing of the additional pain Mrs. Karras and others like her caused your boy during the recent highly stressful time when the influenza was at a peak ... Well, Heath may deny these words of hatred effect him, but I know he must feel the pain somewhere deep in a place unimaginable to the rest of us.

"In addition, Mrs. Barkley, you mentioned Heath's war injuries of which Silas and I often spoke. We spoke not of the physical nature of the injuries, but of Mr. Alexander's worries regarding what the loss of Heath's youth, freedom, and trust in humanity had done to his soul. I imagine when Heath's back hurts it is a constant reminder of a time for which your boy still silently grieves.

"You know Heath better than most ... There are probably struggles and triumphs you know of from your boy's difficult life. These things all play games in our minds especially when we have recently lost loved ones, struggled through an enormously stressful period in our lives, or faced our own mortality. Heath needs your love right now. An unquestioning show of support for him as a person. Do any of my words help or comfort you in any way, Mrs. Barkley?"

Victoria smiled although her eyes were wet, whispering, "Yes, you are helping tremendously, sir. Perhaps we are too close to Heath to see the wounds he refuses to speak of or share with us. I'm aware of everything you are mentioning, but I don't think I gave Heath enough credit for the battles he must wage daily against these constant enemies.

"I'll love him ... That's the easy part, but I realize I must also help my son be strong until his body recovers enough for Heath to resume he life."

"Yes, but none of us are alone in any of our endeavors to help ourselves or others. We must all remember this also."

They smiled and nodded.

"May I see Heath this morning?"

Victoria stood up and smiled, "I'll be right back. Let me check on him."

Reverend Waters stood in respect for his hostess. He was caught off guard when Victoria put her arms around his and gently squeezed in a natural show of her gratitude for their honest conversation. Funny, Reverend Waters wondered if she would understand the strange feeling he had when he woke up and decided he must travel to the Barkley's this morning despite the rain and his wife's anger. Reverend Waters wasn't completely well himself, but felt a strong need to check on Heath. He was now very glad he followed through on those instincts.

Victoria prepared to serve Heath's supper tray. Nick and Audra were still visiting in the dining room sensing their mother wanted their brother to herself. They were glad they waited when Jarrod showed up and Rosa served him the food she kept warm for him. Victoria welcomed her exhausted oldest son before climbing the backstairs with Reverend Waters' conversation playing through her mind along with Dr Mullin's assessment regarding Heath's fragile health. Somehow she absolutely knew the two men's opinions must be joined in order for Heath to return to the life he had before becoming so horribly ill.

"Good evening, Heath," Victoria was pleased to see the blonde sitting up by the window with a book instead of sleeping, "I brought some supper for you to try."

"Thank you, mother," Heath turned and pulled the blankets he had on his legs up before she set the tray across the chair arms.

"It is so cold in here," Victoria wondered why she hadn't noticed before this evening.

"It is fine, mother," Heath smiled and looked down at his food with little interest.

While Heath thought about how to get a few bites down Victoria sat on his bed and looked around. Heath's bedroom was the smallest room on the second floor. It was the only bedroom without a fireplace and on a cold rainy evening like this ... Heath's room was unbearably cold. Victoria thought about the three empty guest rooms which all were similar to the bedrooms enjoyed by the remainder of the Barkley family. Each had a large bedroom area, sitting area, and wonderfully warm fireplace.

Heath arrived on the Barkley ranch in the midst of a swelteringly hot summer and Victoria simply placed him in the bedroom closest to Nick's. Now she looked around ashamed to think of Heath having so little space and comfort.

"Let's move you down the hall after you eat, Heath. I'll have Rosa help me move your things tomorrow."

"What?"

"This room is so small. It feels terribly cold in here, sweetheart."

"I like this room. Do I have to move?"

Victoria reached out and touched Heath's hand and saw the large dark circles around his eyes again tonight.

"No, but I would love to keep you warmer. Besides, you should have a bedroom like mine."

Heath laughed and laid his head back on the chair to briefly rest.

"Mother, this bedroom is practically the size of the entire cabin I grew up in. I'm very happy here and there are only a few nights each year I can't curl up and forget about the cold. When I get too cold I simply sneak down and sleep by the fire in the study."

Victoria was astounded by this revelation.

"Oh, Heath, let me move you?"

"Please, not tonight anyway. Let's both think about it."

She smiled and nodded her agreement. Heath tried some soup and it was an obviously forced effort.

"Thanks for letting Reverend Waters visit today. It meant a great deal to me to talk with him. Good thing too with all the lecturing the doc did late this afternoon. The two visits kinda balanced out by the end of the day."

Victoria smiled knowing Dr Mullins would have once again lectured Heath to take better care of his back. The young man must have also endured another ear full regarding his need to follow Victoria's orders so Heath could recover from the fever which left him terribly weak.

"I'm sorry you had to go to Silas' funeral by yourself, Heath. Can we go to his grave together when you feel up to it?"

Heath smiled and Victoria thought she saw some of the old twinkle in his eyes, "I'd like that very much ... So would Silas."

"I miss him too."

Heath nodded and forced down another bite of food.

"Would you like to be alone, son?"

Heath put down his spoon and looked deeply into Victoria's eyes, whispering, "No, I've been alone even when my room was full of people too much lately. I promised the reverend I would amend my ways and work hard to make myself well. I'm not sure I'm up to keeping that promise, mother."

Heath lowered his head and turned his gaze out the window. Victoria knelt down and brushed a hand through his hair.

"I love you, Heath, more than you can ever know. Whatever it takes, however long it takes, and no matter what ... Your family is here to help if only you would let us."

They sat quiet and Victoria leaned in resting her head on her youngest son's shoulder. She could feel his fight for control through Heath's tense shoulder muscles on her face.

"I'm sorry life has given you more than your share of burdens to contend with Heath."

He chuckled and wrapped an arm around his mother, whispering, "And his name through faith in his name hath made this man strong, whom ye see and know: yea, the faith which is by him hath given him this perfect soundness in the presence of you all". (Acts 3:16)

He tuned his face to hers and kissed his mother's cheek. Victoria looked deeply into Heath's eyes and saw what had been missing for too many days. Heath embraced her once more and then she sat back so he could try to eat his supper. She sat on the bed thankful for hope returning to Heath's life and the sparkle of fight taking root in his eyes. It was going to be a long battle, but one the Barkley family was going to win if Victoria had her way.

"Don't be sorry, mother," Heath struggled to swallow more soup, "I've been feeling sorry enough for myself lately and I've decided to stop. I have a wonderful life and it is up to me to make it better."

"Heath," Victoria spoke quietly knowing the trust she was asking from Heath, "What exactly did Reverend Waters talk to you about?"

He smiled and took a bite of bread while thinking through his answer. Heath drank some milk and met Victoria's eyes.

"We didn't talk about much really. Shared a few prayers, spoke of Silas, discussed the concepts of freedom, and a few other things. But the reverend did offer a message I'd heard Silas often quote when we shared an early morning breakfast, but until today I never realized the reverend's words applied to me."

Heath reached out his hand and his mother took it and held on tight.

"Reverend Waters said 'We ain't what we should be, we ain't what we are go'na be, but Praise God Almighty ... We ain't what we were!"

Heath smiled, shook his head, and returned to his plate. Victoria sat and enjoyed their communication of silence while reviewing the reverend's message. Before long Heath's tray was empty. The effort to eat left the young man exhausted and they decided to skip his evening salts bath. Victoria tucked Heath in for the night and left his room knowing for the first time in weeks the Barkley family, the entire Barkley family, was going to recover from this dreadful period of illness in their lives.

Victoria joined her other children around the fire and listened as Nick and Jarrod discussed the ranch. She was so proud of Nick as he often stopped in mid-sentence to make sure he encouraged Jarrod instead of complaining about his older brother's tactics. She gazed into the fire knowing they were all forever changed by this influenza experience and in many ways changed for the better. The day would come when they all returned to a more normal routine ... Victoria truly believed in this eventuality as she rested by the fire.

Victoria closed her eyes and thought of her friend, Silas. Surely there would be a lasting memorial the Barkley family could offer through Reverend Waters and Silas' church. She and Heath would see to it. Perhaps a new wing on the church to provide a proper Sunday school would honor Silas as he may have wished. Victoria spent the evening making these and other plans for the family's future. It was a future Victoria was grateful to her Maker for giving her to enjoy with all four of her children. The influenza epidemic may have robbed them of Silas, but it did not defeat the Barkley family.

Stockton was a changed town after the fever struck that horrible autumn. The wretched days of "The Fever" would be discussed for years and years to come. Many lives were lost and many lives were forever changed. During those horribly dark days of the crisis many people prayed and made promises to the Almighty, but in most cases they usually didn't change their lives or how they treated others. The Barkleys soon resumed their role as prominent members of the community, but right or wrong they never forgave some of Stockton's citizens for their behavior during the epidemic.

Through the years other crisis would come and go, but the Barkley family remained steady in their approach to the joys, challenges, and disasters involved in their lives. The Barkleys held on tight, loved each other, and knew with utmost certainty they could make it through any storm together. It was a lesson they would teach their children, their children's children, and remember to pass on to all the generations to follow.

The End